This DVD explores the Nayika bhava in the context of Ashtanayikas, the 8 heroine types, categorized by the natyashastras under 8 different heads according to their emotional status.

In an exhaustive and aesthetic manner it presents the mindset, moods, conflicts, cogitations, tempers and tantrums of Kalahantarita, the heroine who defies all accepted norms and ventures out to meet her lover at a predetermined place. The classroom session is followed by a recital of this padam by Jayanthi Subramaniam.

The Nayika explored with explanation of nuances

Ddiscussion focussed on a padam / javali

Full length recital shot in 3 different angles

In a long discussion the attributes of the nayika are compared and contrasted with other nayikas to bring out the subtle differences between them. It sheds light not only on the intricacies of nayika bhava, but also presents the teaching methodology of Kalanidhi maami and the intensity of Guru-Sishya relationship.

Kalanidhi Narayanan provides some practical tips for teachers and also students at different levels- beginners, those reasonably well-trained and foreign students who are not very familiar with the Indian cultural ambience. There are explanations on how to approach the composition, understand its meaning and the mood it portrays before actually getting down to performance.